AGTA Closes…Are GIA and Gubelin Gem Lab Our Two Choices?
Effective immediately, the GTC will not be accepting new gemstones for grading, and all gemstones currently in the lab will be returned to clients as soon as possible, National Jeweler. With the closing of AGTA; Gueblin Gem Lab in Switzerland is working towards opening a weekly shuttle service between New York and Lucerne, with the costs of the service being fully covered by the lab. I emailed the company this morning and found out the service is not yet established but a work in progress. For right now, you will need to contact a shipping company such as Malca Amit, Brinks or Ferrari.
Gueblin Gem Lab Report
GIA Colored Stone Report
Have you used Guebline before? GIA for colored stones? If I had a rare colored stone that might be worth a whole lot and I wanted to sell it at auction—should I take the word of an appraiser of how much it’s worth or is there a lab that lists retail replacement values? Does anyone know the steps to take to placing a rare gemstone or estate piece to auction?
Christopher P. Smith commented:
Hello Shanu,
I would like to remind all of your readers that American Gemological Laboratories in New York, remains open and in full operation. AGL was the US's first colored stone and origin laboratory. Still today, we remain one of the most widely known and respected colored stone labs. Colored stone reporting, identification, enhancement disclosure and origin determination is our primary focus. If your readers are not familiar with us or haven't sent stone to us recently, I would like to invite them to contact us and give our service a try (212) 704-0727. I am confident that they will be satisfied with the high quality of our service and reports.
Sincerely,
Christopher P. Smith
